Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson was an absolute blast to read. This science-fiction dystopian is a superheroes lovers dream. Villains, heroes, technological abilities and action kept me spellbound. This was a smashing beginning to the Reckoners trilogy and one I cannot wait to continue. Mini review: entertaining, and engrossing with fascinating rebels that kept me flippin’ the pages.

Controlling the Dead by Annie Walls
Last year Annie Walls blew me away with her post-apocalyptic zombie tale Taking on the Dead. The first in the Famished Trilogy it earned a top spot on my Adult Top-Ten Reads for 2013. As you can imagine, I was drooling in anticipation of Controlling the Dead. My friends, it was well worth the wait. Walls has created a fascinating world with characters that have become family. We see story advancement and character development as Walls holds are emotions captive. Mini review: engaging, action-packed and heart-wrenching.
Red Hill by Jamie McGuire
I adored Jamie McGuire’s Beautiful series and was quite curious when she embarked on a dystopian zombie book for her next adventure. Red Hill offered up a made for television break-out, joining together groups of survivors as they made their way to Red Hill; a property that connected them. The writing was beautiful but not without flaws. Mini review: interesting, heart-wrenching and at times irritating.
Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken
Last year Darkest Mind blew me away with its dystopian tale, and I was anxious to read the second installment Never Fade by author Alexandra Bracken. Action packed with a corrupt US government and kids with unique capabilities this action packed tale kept me entertained. Three word review: action-packed, suspenseful and yes another cliffhanger!
Blackout by Robison Wells
Blackout is the first book in Robinson Wells Blackout series. An apocalyptic book featuring young men and woman with unique abilities from mind bending to fire breathe. While I still crave more details regarding the world-building, this was an engaging novel and a series that I will continue. Three word review: unique, X-men vibe, action-packed.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon is a dystopian with an interesting blend of fantasy, science-fiction and mythology. I was instantly catapulted into the year 2059 and wrapped up in its characters. Part one of a seven book series, whose film rights have already been sold Shannon’s debut novel hits the ground running. Three word review: stunning, mesmerizing, and imaginative.
Fragments by Dan Wells
Fragments is the second book in Dan Wells Partials Sequence trilogy and was one of my most highly anticipated books. I began this tome during the Take Control Read-a-thon in March and consumed it in just two days. Stepping back into this dystopian world I found myself once again caught up in the cure, the battle and the unique characters. Wells outdoes himself with the incredible world-building and thought provoking questions he raises. With the exception of the characters ages this tale reads like an adult novel from its depth to it complex tale. Fans of The Passage and White Horse will enjoy this trilogy. Three word review: fascinating, chilling and suspenseful.
Shudder by Samantha Durante
Last year I enjoyed Stitch the first book in the Stitch Trilogy and was anxious to discover what was happening in this strange dystopian world. Samantha Durante’s second book Shudder shows us the world beyond the walls of Paragon, and the engineers that designed Paragon. She does this all while revealing things that kept me turning the pages. Three word review: fascinating, suspenseful and enlightening.